Early Puberty in Girls: Diagnosis and Treatment

How Do Doctors Treat Early Puberty in Girls?

The type of treatment we recommend depends on the type of early puberty she has. If your daughter has early adrenal puberty, she might not need any treatment. If your daughter is overweight and has early adrenal puberty, losing weight can help slow down puberty. If the puberty is caused by elevated hormones we can give her medication to decrease the hormone levels.

If your daughter has early gonadal puberty and it is happening slowly and with no serious causes, she might not need any treatment. If the gonadal puberty is caused by high hormone levels, we can give her medication to decrease the hormone levels. She will take this medication until she has reached an appropriate age to start puberty. This can help your daughter reach a normal adult height and help her look and feel more like her true age.

What is the Outlook for Girls with Early Puberty?

Your daughter should do quite well if she has treatment for her early puberty.

How Can I Help My Daugher with Early Puberty?

You can reassure your daughter that these changes are not different from other children - they are just happening earlier. Your daughter might be self-conscious about these early changes. This is an important time to listen and respond to questions and concerns she might have. You should continue to treat your daughter appropriately for her age and continue to help her with self-esteem.

Rev. 1/2015. Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.